How to Cover Your Grays (Without Damaging Your Hair)

Some of us are not ready to embrace our wisdom silvery curls and honestly, there is nothing wrong with that. Now, if you are short on cash or time, a hair root concealer sounds like the perfect fix, right? Well, maybe. Some are saying they may be bad for our hair and Peggy-Nikki from Curly Q&Awanted the 411 and inquired about it.

Question

Are hair root concealer sprays damaging to hair? Do they cause breakage/ fall out? Are hair root concealer sprays safe to use or do they cause breakage/hair loss/dryness over time. I dye my whites every 4 weeks with permanent hair color. To avoid so many chemicals, I bought a hair color root spray (L’Oreal Magic Retouch) but am afraid it may cause damage (like I've heard regular sprays do). I can't find any info on internet about safety or long-term effects. Can anyone provide information?

Answer

Hair root concealers are safe to use on your hair to temporarily color grays or change your hair color in between your permanent hair coloring sessions. Now, some brands are better than others as in application, ability to blend, and longevity. That goes the same for certain ingredients, as some do contain drying alcohols. Simply put: some brands fare better than others but that is across the board with how well they work. Here is a list of the best, and why.

Color Wow Root Touch Up is a favorite of many because of the ingredient zinc stearate, which is a color-fixing ingredient. The cosmetics database considered this a low to moderate hazard ingredient depending on the usage. It is a mineral powder that looks like makeup. It attaches to the hair easily and does need a surfactant to remove the color. With no waxes there are no worries of a dull, unnatural finish.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Colore Root Touch-Up & Highlighting Pen is another favorite and does not have drying alcohol in it. Easy to apply and stays on overnight without messiness. It is free from ammonia and peroxide but full of conditioners.

Another mineral loose powder, this root touch-up is not just for concealing roots but also hides hair loss or thinning hair. It works fast and easy to use and does fight greasiness like a dry shampoo.

Conclusion

I would advise deep conditioning after using these or a treatment to stave off dryness and any breakage. I have listed the ones that should be less drying but even trying the best of the best requires trial and error to find out what product works the best for you in all areas. Just a reminder that dry shampoos are being used by curly girls with no adverse effects to the hair. What may have been scary to try in the past has definitely redeemed itself as of late, so try one of these brands and let us know what you think.